March News from Smithfield

Hop & Hunt Set for April 19th

Get ready for the return of Smithfield Township’s egg hunt on Saturday, April 19th! Newly dubbed “Hop & Hunt,” the Township is excited to announce the event’s return. The event will feature egg hunts for children of all ages, crafts, light refreshments, and community partners.

Join us at the lower lot of Waterfront Park, 1170 Red Fox Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please contact Alex Jackson at 570.223.5082 x 6 or email him at alex@smithfieldtownship.com.

Email Alex

More Information

Your March tax bill includes more than just numbers — it comes with an update on what’s happening in Smithfield Township. This tax insert provides a quick look at where your tax dollars go and what’s ahead for our community.

Here are some key takeaways:

No Township Tax Increase – Municipal (1.96 mills), Fire (0.55 mills), and EMS (0.30 mills) tax rates remain unchanged. (Monroe County’s tax rate did increase from 3.9773 mills to 5.4773 mills.)
Investing in Parks & Recreation – Work continues on Marshalls Falls Park, and the Vision Loss Trail at Waterfront Wellness Park is in progress.
Traffic & Infrastructure Upgrades – A Green Light Go grant will automate signals along the Route 209 Corridor for better traffic flow and safety.
Public Safety Support – Over $500,000 allocated to fire and EMS services, plus continued grant funding.
Road Work Ahead – Major paving projects are set for River Rd, Carillon Dr, and more.

View the 2025 Tax Insert

Spring Clean Up is Moving Up!

It’s almost that time of the year! Spring Clean Up is near – and it’s a little nearer than before. To get a head start on the paving season, Spring Clean Up is scheduled for April 30th through May 3rd. Stay tuned for additional news on Spring Clean Up!

Bushkill Emergency Corps Adds to Fleet

Submitted by Debbie Kulick, Bushkill Emergency Corps

Bushkill Emergency Corps is pleased to announce the addition of two new ambulances to our fleet. These ambulances replace two outdated vehicles, one from 1992 and the other from 2009. Both vehicles are possible largely due to the support of the residents of Smithfield Township through the newly (2024) enacted Emergency Medical Services tax put in place by the Board of Supervisors.

The organization appreciates the support from the Supervisors and the residents of the township. This funding has allowed Bushkill Emergency Corps to purchase both vehicles, one as a Basic Life Support unit and the other as an Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) unit. Once both are in service, residents and visitors will see these units responding to 9-1-1 calls to provide patients with updated equipment and transportation to the local hospitals.

Bushkill Emergency Corps celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and still operates as grassroots, community-based ambulance service. With the advent of the EMS funding, township residents are afforded, from Bushkill Emergency Corps, the same coverage as the previous subscription program provided. Should a patient be responsible for payment after insurance has been applied or rejected for some reason, $500 will be deducted from the balance due for the service.

As part of the organization’s service to the community, a free CPR and AED program will be scheduled during the summer months and is open to all residents. Details will be announced in the Smithfield Township newsletter.

Learn more about BEC

Zoning/Codes Enforcement Updates

Our new Zoning Officer, Matthew Helbers of Bureau Veritas is off to a fantastic start. The Zoning/Codes open office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m on Thursdays. You may still call the Zoning/Codes Office at 570.223.5082 x 2 or email zoning@smithfieldtownship.com at any time.

If you spot something you may think is out of compliance with our Code of Ordinances, please reach out. Feel free to fill out a Zoning Complaint form and submit as much information as possible.

Between the Zoning Office and Building Codes Office, the Township is seeing increased compliance with rules that preserve the safe and healthy community we share.

Visit the Zoning/Codes Website

Download a Complaint Form

PMVB Scholarship Program Returns for 2025

The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is investing in the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals by offering annual scholarships to local students. High school seniors, technical institute students, and undergraduates at ESU and NCC can apply now for the 2025 program. Applications are due by Wednesday, April 30.

Apply Now

Looking for a responsible way to dispose of your plastic bags and wraps? The Monroe County Waste Authority’s Military Road Recycling Site is now accepting a variety of plastic film materials, helping turn waste into earth-friendly composite decking and railing.

You can drop off:

✅ Grocery Bags

✅ Bread Bags

✅ Case Overwrap

✅ Plastic Shipping Envelopes

✅ Ice Bags

✅ Ziploc & Reclosable Food Storage Bags

✅ Newspaper Sleeves

✅ Bubble Wrap & Air Pillows

✅ Product Wrap (e.g., paper towel packaging)

…and more!

To ensure recyclability, all plastics must be clean, dry, and free of food or organic residue.

You must be registered to participate. There is no fee for this service.

Recycling Registration

“Bells Across PA” Art Contest

Calling all artists! Monroe County invites creative minds to design a Liberty Bell replica for America250PA’s “Bells Across PA” art series, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The chosen artist will receive a $1,250 honorarium to adorn a three-foot fiberglass bell showcasing Monroe County’s heritage.

Sponsored by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, the bell will be displayed during the 2026 celebration. Applications are due April 1, 2025. Learn more at the America250PA website or contact MC250PA Chairman David Parker at 570-656-9232. Let your creativity ring for history!

Learn More!